First Aid for Pets: A Guide for Pet Parents

This past July, we continued our monthly lecture series at City by the Sea with a really engaging discussion about first aid. As pet parents, we all want to keep our furry family members safe. But accidents and emergencies can happen in a blink, and knowing what to do in the first few moments can make a big difference. While nothing replaces a visit to your veterinarian, having some basic first aid knowledge can help you stay calm, avoid panic, and get your pet the care they need faster.

What Counts as a Real Emergency?

If your pet’s life, limbs, or long-term health is at risk, it’s an emergency. That might include being hit by a car, eating something toxic like chocolate or xylitol, having a seizure, collapsing, struggling to breathe, or suffering burns, allergic reactions, or serious wounds. If you’re ever unsure, the safest thing to do is call your vet or go to an emergency animal hospital right away.

Staying Calm Helps Your Pet

The most important first step in an emergency is to stay as calm as possible. Pets pick up on our emotions, and your ability to stay focused can help them feel safer. Make sure you’re also protecting yourself—an injured, painful or frightened pet may lash out, even if they love you.

If your pet isn’t moving or seems unconscious, check their airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABCs). Check tongue and gum color – it should be pink and not blue or purple; feel their chest or inside surface of their hind limbs (https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/pulse-rate-pressure-heart-veterinary). If they’re not breathing or don’t have a pulse, you may need to start CPR right away. (https://recoverinitiative.org/pet-owners-and-pet-professionals/)

What to Do for Common Emergencies

Trauma, like being hit by a car or getting into a dog fight, calls for immediate veterinary care. Try not to move your pet more than necessary, and use a towel, blanket, or board for support during transport.

For toxic exposures, such as eating chocolate, raisins, or medications, don’t try to make your pet throw up unless a vet specifically tells you to. Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for guidance.

If your pet has a seizure, clear the area around them and avoid touching their mouth. Don’t try to hold them still. Time how long the seizure lasts, and if you can, take a video to show your vet. Once the episode ends, keep your pet calm and quiet, and call your vet right away. Fainting or collapse can sometimes resemble a seizure. If your pet is unresponsive or not breathing, start CPR and get to a vet immediately. If they get up after fainting, they still need to be checked—don’t assume they’re fine.

Overheating (heatstroke or hyperthermia) and getting too cold (hypothermia) can both be life-threatening. For heatstroke, use cool—not icy—water and fans to gently bring the temperature down. For hypothermia, wrap your pet in warm (not hot) blankets. Avoid using heating pads. Either way, it’s essential to see a vet as soon as possible.

Allergic reactions can happen quickly. If your pet gets stung or bitten and starts showing signs like facial swelling, hives, vomiting, or trouble breathing, apply a cool compress and call your vet. Don’t give any medications unless your vet advises you to. Severe reactions need immediate treatment.
Choking is rare, but if your pet is pawing at their mouth or struggling to breathe, you may need to check for an object in their mouth—if you can do so safely. If your pet passes out, you can try gently removing the item or doing a modified Heimlich maneuver, followed by CPR if necessary. Either way, head to the vet immediately.

Bleeding, Burns, and Other Injuries

If your pet is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean towel or gauze. You can elevate the limb if it’s safe. Don’t use ointments or creams meant for people. If bleeding is severe, a tourniquet may be used as a last resort—but it must be applied very carefully and only temporarily. All serious wounds, especially those involving bites, the face, or deep punctures, should be seen by a vet right away.

Burns—from hot surfaces, fires, chemicals, or electrical cords—need immediate attention too. Remove your pet from the source, apply a cool (not cold) compress for up to 30 minutes, and avoid using ointments. Electrical burns around the mouth or signs like trouble breathing can signal a deeper issue and should be evaluated ASAP.

Eye injuries may look minor but can worsen quickly. If your pet is squinting, has redness, or suffered any trauma to the eye, don’t touch it. Keep your pet from rubbing or pawing it, use an Elizabethan style collar if you have one to protect the eye, and see your vet immediately.

Near-drowning is rare but serious. Even strong swimmers can get stuck or panic in pools. Teach your pet how to exit the pool, and always supervise them near water. If your pet does fall in, remove them, clear their airway, and keep them warm. CPR may be needed. Get to the vet immediately—even if they seem okay at first.

Final Thoughts for Pet Parents

No one wants to imagine their pet in pain or danger, but being prepared is part of loving them well. Learn the basics of pet first aid, keep emergency numbers handy, and don’t hesitate to call your vet if something feels off. Your calm presence and quick thinking can make all the difference.

If you’d like to take it a step further, consider putting together a pet first aid kit or taking a class in pet CPR and emergency response. At City by the Sea Veterinary Urgent Care, we’re always here to help guide you—before, during, and after the unexpected.